---
title: "Effects of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Oxidative Stress"
description: "Astaxanthin may have some antioxidant effects in humans, particularly at higher doses and shorter durations, but the overall evidence is unclear."
url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d30982442.md"
canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d30982442.html"
html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d30982442.html"
type: "study"
study_key: "d30982442"
journal: "Int J Vitam Nutr Res"
year: 2019
pmid: "30982442"
doi: "10.1024/0300-9831/a000497"
citations: 1
updated: 2026-09-02
author: "Gabriel Radu, DO"
author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765."
publisher: "Magellan Longevity"
content_format: "markdown"
---

# Effects of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Oxidative Stress

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## Citation

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Journal | Int J Vitam Nutr Res |
| Year | 2019 |
| PMID | [30982442](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30982442/) |
| DOI | [10.1024/0300-9831/a000497](https://doi.org/10.1024/0300-9831/a000497) |
| Study key | d30982442 |

## Takeaway

Astaxanthin may have some antioxidant effects in humans, particularly at higher doses and shorter durations, but the overall evidence is unclear.

## The question

What is the antioxidant activity of astaxanthin in humans?

## Hypothesis

The study implicitly hypothesizes that astaxanthin supplementation has an antioxidant effect in humans.

## Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using six databases, covering studies from 1948 to 2015. Nine randomized controlled trials were included in the systematic review.

## Results

Meta-analysis showed a borderline significant antioxidant effect of astaxanthin between intervention and control groups, specifically a malondialdehyde-lowering effect for lipid peroxidation. When compared to baseline in intervention groups, astaxanthin significantly decreased plasma malondialdehyde (SMD -1.32 μmol/L) and isoprostane (SMD -3.10 ng/mL), and increased superoxide dismutase (SMD 1.57 U/mL) and total antioxidant capacity (SMD 0.77 mmol). High doses (≥20 mg/day) of astaxanthin showed significant antioxidant effects, while low doses (<20 mg/day) did not. An antioxidant effect was observed after a 3-week intervention, but not after 12-week or 3-month interventions.

## Conclusion

The antioxidant effect of astaxanthin on humans is unclear.

## Limitations

The data included in the meta-analysis were insufficient. The antioxidant effect was not observed after longer intervention durations (12-week or 3-month).

## Verbatim from the abstract

> astaxanthin significantly decreased plasma malondialdehyde, increased superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity

## Effect of Astaxanthin on Oxidative Stress Markers (SMD)

| Measure | Standard Mean Difference (SMD) |
| --- | --- |
| Malondialdehyde | -1.32 |
| Isoprostane | -3.1 |
| Superoxide Dismutase | 1.57 |
| Total Antioxidant Capacity | 0.77 |

*Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) for various oxidative stress markers after astaxanthin supplementation compared to baseline in intervention groups.*

## Where this study is used on Magellan

This paper is one of the citations behind the evidence grade on the pages below. Grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of affiliate commissions.

| Compound or device | Evidence grade | Graded pages |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Astaxanthin Softgels | Moderate evidence | [Astaxanthin Softgels](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/107.md) |

## Reference

1. **Effects of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Oxidative Stress**
   Int J Vitam Nutr Res 2019 · [PMID 30982442](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30982442/) · [DOI 10.1024/0300-9831/a000497](https://doi.org/10.1024/0300-9831/a000497)

   > astaxanthin significantly decreased plasma malondialdehyde, increased superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity

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## Related on Magellan Longevity

- [Astaxanthin Softgels](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/107.md) — product graded on this and related evidence
- [Evidence: raises antioxidant capacity, lowers MDA](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s107.md)
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- [Longevity research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html)
- [Evidence-based longevity supplements](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-supplements.md)

## Scope and disclosures

Educational information, not medical advice. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases.

Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).